Re: instant gratification

[P3D Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997
>>I wrote:
>>This can be further understood by noticing the effect of viewing
>>stereograms. Even for the experienced, a new stereogram can take a few
>>moments to resolve into depth structures even after the eyes are in the
>>*right position*....................

> ron labbe comments:
>The stereogram 3D resolves instantly for me. Anyone else?
>

For me it might as well be instant too. But there is a wide range of
response depending on various factors. Not every stereogram resolves as
instantly as others, especially if you're experimenting with the controls
while making your own or generating one that is extremely abstract. The *few
moments* I mention are there, even in the instant situations. It may be a
very fast curve, but it's there. 

I say this based on time spent viewing infinite stereograms where
repositioning the eyes ALWAYS provides 3D structure to be aware of. In such
a stereogram there is a general slope to the structures so that one travels
smoothly to all the available multiple viewing combinations available within
the reach of normal eye movement. Generally once the basic shapes are known,
the seeing is much faster and allows one to move through a semi familar
space. In the process, the localized structures closest to the focus of your
awareness are always changing. By moving in some direction you present to
the eyes a constantly flowing stereogram. There is a border of awareness
when a pattern/structure translates as *up here* and suddenly it's *down
there*. The size and shape of this awareness space is influenced by the
time/interpretation factor. If you move rapidly, the space gets smaller, if
you slow down, it can open up and let you be aware of a larger area. At the
extreme ends you can stop and count how many *edges* are visible. It is a
means of watching your own mind at work, behind the automatic-ness of the
usual process. 

The only way to observe this is to travel repeatedly through the
convolutions of the stereogram from one extreme to the other while staying
*in contact with* some available surface. It's a mind adventure. The actual
image and pattern aren't really important. The fact that the structure is
there, the fact that you can travel through that structure with your eyes,
the fact that the various combinations of pattern are smoothly connected, or
at least no levels are so far apart that they aren't apparent from the edge
of the previous, all provide the opportunity to watch directly as your mind
deals with the constant challenge. The intent is to watch your mind make the
interpretation, not to watch the pattern or structure itself. Like looking
at the mirror so one can see the reflection in it. 

Yet consciousness is hard to observe. Philosophers have long talked about it
and sought tools which might provide a glimpse. Their search finds a wispy
ghost of an answer in the infinite stereogram.

If you haven't seen or experienced such a stereogram yet, I have a couple on
my stereograms page. (will make some new ones soon...)

http://3dzine.simplenet.com/3dwebscp/sgallery.html

The basic structure is the pyramid viewed from directly overhead in parallel
mode and from underneath in crossed mode. They transition fully from one
mode to the other without a jump. It is difficult to resolve/interpret the
structures very close to the actual image pattern/monitor screen. The mind
wants to lock-on to that surface. It's necessary to approach the surface
very slowly in order to see the little tendrils of 3D structure that connect
to the computer screen.

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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